Buh-Bye!

According to ShopSmart magazine, here is the list of the "Top 10 Things Women Hope Will Not Last The Next Decade":

1. Super low-waisted jeans
2. Spray-on tans
3. Reality shows
4. Fishnet stockings
5. Thong underwear
6. Large SUVs
7. Skinny jeans
8. Dark nail polish
9. Croc shoes
10. Giant handbags

I don't know which women were surveyed, but aren't large SUVs and giant handbags good things for supermoms?

Here's The News:

We found out yesterday that while the MRI showed no new changes, the multiple brain tumors are microscopically active and possibly growing, explaining why my face is more numb and why I have those episodes of burning sensations in my nose.

Another MRI will be scheduled in three months to see if the brain tumor activity can be measured.

(sigh)

Tomorrow at 8:00AM I find out the results of the MMRI I had done last week. I normally stress about it and predict what the results are, but for some strange reason, I'm not as concerned and worked up as I normally get.

Whether the news is bad or good, I'll post them as soon as I can.

Extra note: If the results show no new brain tumor growth, it still won't explain all the reasons why my bloodwork, liver, and facial sensitivity are all messed up. Supposedly. it's from the chemotherapy treatments I've had in the past.

One thing I love asking people whenever I get to spend quality time is to ask them what they're passionate about. While some answer promptly with answers such as "reading" or "cooking", most people pause and have to think about it for a while.

The table was turned on me a couple of weeks ago when someone asked me the exact same question. I didn't know. But after reflecting on my life, here are some of my answers:

1) Serving God, family, and friends.
2) Fashion. I guess you can say I'm "fashionate".
3) Toys. Vinyl toys, Lego, toys I had growing up.
4) "Ernie Time". Loose definition: relaxing on the couch with the TV on, all chores and errands done, everything in it's place.

A more thought-provoking question that takes it to a deeper level: What do you want on your tombstone? Other people ask: "What's in your dash?" (example: Ernie Deomampo Jr., 1970-2010)

Blessing In Disguise?

It's kinda' funny: many of the stores I shop now know me as "Ernie The Blind Filipino". It may sound cruel, but it's their way of identifying me at the store or over the phone.

Even stores in NYC and LA know me whenever I contact them and say who I am.

Hey, it works. And it gets me some preferential treatment, especially on the limited edition stuff.

The :Loneliest Place On Earth

Today could be a very pivotal day- At 1:00PM, I will get my first MRI done on my brain in nearly half a year. The results (which I won't get until early next week) will determine whether or not I restart chemo, radiation, or whatever the doctor recommends.

Have you ever had an MRI? It's cold, loud, and extremely claustrophobic. You're the only person in the room trapped in a tube for hours with only your thoughts to keep you company. It's the loneliest place on earth.

Trigger Fingers Needed Wednesday at Noon

On Wednesday at high noon, Bathing Ape (my favorite clothing line) will put this limited edition t-shirt on sale on their website. In previous online sales, the article of clothing they were offering would sell out in two minutes.

Will you help me try to get one? It's easy- all you need to do is be online for five minutes in the comfort of your home or office at 12:00PM. Please call me Wednesday morning before 11:30AM to let me know. I will have all helpers on conference call during the dash to let everyone else know when one was obtained.

I know it's crazy, but I really want one, and so do other Bathing Ape fans.

Mirror, Mirror, On The Wall

Mark, an extremely talented Asian actor from NYC came down and spent the weekend with us. His handsome looks and flawless vocals only made me think he deserved bigger and better roles on Broadway.

As I got ready for his last dinner here in D.C., I showered, got dressed, and then loooked in the mirror, thinking the only difference between between Mark and I was that I wore glasses. I could never be more wrong. What stared at me from the mirror was a man with one eye sewn shut, the other eye halfway open. His body looked skinny and frail, with thinning hair that barely held its faux-hawk hairstyle despite the substantial amount of product that was just applied. His colorfully-daring clothes masked how he felt on the inside: insecure and tired of fighting cancer.

It depressed me. I was once like Mark: handsome, strong, and someone people chased after. Now I look like a legally blind, skinny, funny-looking Asian who people pity so much that strangers on the subway and on the sidewalk ask him if he needs help.

Do Not Call My Cell Phone Number

The cell phone I normally use is being repaired. Until it's fixed, I am borrowing a phone that I have no idea how to use. Sorry I keep missing your calls.

If you need me, please try the land line at( 703)248-0828.

Real Style Tips For My Women Readers

Rita Wilson, Style Columnist for Harper's Bazaar, was on Oprah the other day talking about style for every woman at any age, whether 20 or 60 years old. She offered some very helpful tips for every woman who wants to pump up their appearance.

#1 Style Tip: Be true to your personal sense of style, whether age 30 or 60. It can be sexy, clean, young, or easy,

#2 Style Tip: If you haven't worn it in a year, be honest: you're never going to wear it. Pitch it or donate it to a non-profit organization.

Tip for women in their 30's: Avoid wearing shapeless dresses. You still have a silhouette, so do something to show it. And choose one, only one trend in each outfit you wear, whether it's a military jacket or a chunky necklace. Give a nod to trend, but don't let them take over.

Tip for women in their 40's: Pick your asset, such as your waist or your legs, and show it. Every woman in their 40's has at least one.

Four things every woman should have in their closet:
1. Black leggings or black jeans legging
2. One pair of black boots or black shoe boots
3. A good fitted jacket
4. A scarf

These items will work for any woman at any age.

Biggest mistake women make: Trying to be somebody that they're not. Again, be true to your own sense of style and stick with it. Illustrate your style in what you wear, not what you think you should wear,

If you're going to splurge only once a year: Splurge on your pajamas! Yes, your pajamas. Lose the oversized t-shirt or a man's dress shirt. On lazy days, or when you're serving breakfast to your children, make sure that your pajamas are pretty. And you never know when you may have to answer the door in the morning.

Is Black Blecch?

One person who I've always admired is my Aunt Paula, the sister of Paul's mom. Ever since the day I met her, she was wearing bright colors, whether it was on her blouse, pants, or her myriad of accessories from hats to purses. My Washington D.C. conservative eyes didn't quite understand it, but it was something I was strangely drawn to.

Wearing color, especially vibrant and daring shades of unusual greens, oragnes, and pinks, challenges the normalcy of blues, blacks, and browns. It is something only the daring and bold personalities would try and push the engelope. It makes the statement, "Look at me! I'm alive and kciking! I'm standing out of the crowd of normality! What are you doing and what are you wearing?"

Now don't get me wrong- waering safe colors like blue or black especailly wearing all black, can make a statement as well. It takes the focus off your clothes, slims you out, and draws attention to your face and some of your accessories like your earrings. It's safe and stylish.

But what is life about? Is it about fitting in? Is it about making no satement of all? While personality counts, shouldn't your appearance say something also about who you are?

And let's look at accessorizing: are you wearing a backpack to work or using a briefcase made from quality leather and craftmanship? What about your shoes? All comfort but no style? The other part of your apperance is your accessories: your tie, your earrings, your watch. They tooo have something to say, whether it's nothing or something one would pay you a compliment.

Say something. Stand out. If it's not your clothes, make your personality, activities, or hobbies shine and stir up conversation.

In the words of my pastor, "Not a sermon, just a thought."

Ahhhh. It's Friday.

Have a good weekend. Enjoy and spend some time being kind to yourself.

Love Me Some Bathing Ape

I bet you're saying "Whachoo talkin' about, Willis?" Go here. Still don't get it? Click this.

Totally my style.

Bye-bye, Julius. Hello, Baby Milo.

Do Not Fear This Hat!

What was perceived as a hat for beatniks and and style-deprived people is now considered fashionable and the hot winter hat for four winters in a row. Otherwise known as the "mad bomber" hat, it ruled the fall/winter runway earlier and is spotted on everyone's head in NYC.

You up for the challenge? If your answer is no, think of it as the best way to keep your head and ears warm. Buy the one lined with rabbit fur.

The Ugly Truth

Happy New Year.

While many of you were at a party last night drinking champagne and wearing 2010 headbands, I had one of the hardest nights because of my health. But like you, I too didn't get much sleep.

Truth be told: I've shared this with a few of you, but I have recently thought of no longer fighting cancer. The battle seems to be getting harder and harder and I am tired. Exhausted. There are days when it's just too tough.

My sister made a good point: I will go through just as much pain quitting as I would if I kept fighting. True. Very true.

I'm not choosing this option today. Like I said, I have thought about it.